Keep trick-or-treating safe

Saturday

Oct 27, 2012 at 6:00 AM

Like the costumed gangs at your door looking for candy, it comes every year, our plea to drive carefully next Wednesday, Halloween.

We know some of you may have read the recent Associated Press story that said your child (not teen) is more likely to cut themselves carving pumpkins than to be injured trick-or-treating, but we ask, why tempt fate ... well, why tempt fate any more than dressing up like something evil and threatening tricks on people who don't deliver treats?

If you're driving children around, you're racing the clock. We get it. But you should also understand the mentality of the passengers in the back seat. They're not thinking of danger, they're thinking about the treat at the end of the trip. So, it's up to you to keep little monsters restrained and little heroes mindful of their surroundings.

Make sure they watch for vehicles when entering and exiting vehicles and are visible if walking. But, more importantly, as drivers, it's up to you to take it slow and to pay attention. Not every child, even when dressed as angels, listens when candy is on the line.

And, as far as teenagers go, the actual traffic fatalities on Halloween are low according to the Associated Press. But, Oct. 31 traffic fatalities for those under 21 are actually higher each year than they are on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1. They may be older, but they're still inexperienced. Talk to your older children about slowing down and paying closer attention next Wednesday, too.

For a full list of safety tips for children, endorsed by police chiefs Anthony Sahagian and Dennis Minnich, check out page 11. Trick-or-treating hours this year are 5 to 8 p.m. in West Boylston, 5 to 7 p.m. in Boylston. Police ask that you report any suspicious activity or vandalism.

Boylston Police can be reached at (508) 869-2113. West Boylston Police can be reached at (508) 835-3100. In case of emergency, dial 911.